Maintenance Tips

Tips for proper Engine Break-In for a new ATB, UTV, DUNE BUGGY OR TRAIL BIKE

The life expectancy of your vehicle depends critically on the precautions you take. Though your nw machine is pre-lubed, greased and filled with fluids before you even press the starter button for the first time, keep in mind that many systems and components on your quad will be undergoing seating, break-in, and excessive wear during those first few hours of operation.

The following steps should get you and your ATV started on a long and mostly trouble-free relationship.
Proper break-in of a new ATV engine is an essential aspect to the vehicle's longevity. The key to successful break-in is to ride the quad easy but not so mellow that the rings can’t seat within the cylinder. The best way to do this is to combine a high load with low RPM. In other words lug the engine a bit by riding smoothly in a higher gear then necessary as opposed to popping it into one gear and revving it out.

The oil that comes inside your engine will be adequate for the first few hours of break-in but conduct a thorough oil change immediately after. It’s not a bad idea to consider a synthetic blend even over a full synthetic. Make certain to run motorcycle or ATV specific oil blends as they are designed to lubricate the clutch (this is known as a wet clutch) as well as the engine’s internals. Automotive oil and full synthetics may be adequate at lubing up the engine but usually lead to clutch slippage.

Sometimes we feel that swapping out the fluid oil volume is sufficient in protecting the engine but in reality never are there more fine metal fragments and shavings mixed within the oil than after those first few hours of break-in. Keep in mind that the system is designed for the oil to carry these fragments through the filter where they are then screened out and deposited. No sense risking contamination of your new oil by leaving the old packed up filter in place.

BASIC MAINTENANCE

Off-road riding is tough on a Trail bike or ATV, so it’s always helpful to conduct both a pre- and post-ride inspection to ensure your vehicle is in good running conditions at all times.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

Tyres & wheels - Check for recommended air pressure (see your owner’s manual), and inspect for cuts, excessive wear or other damage. Make sure axle nuts are tight, and check rims for deformation and broken

Cables and controls - Make sure the throttle and all control cables (brakes, clutch, engine stop, lights) operate smoothly.

Fuel - Make sure your fuel is topped up before taking off. Post-ride; turn your fuel petcock to the OFF position before putting your machine away.

Oil - Make sure it’s filled to the recommended level. Also, check your owner’s or service manual for how often you should change your oil and oil filter.

Chain - Inspect your chain guide and chain rollers, along with your chain, for proper adjustment and lubrication. It's quite normal for the quad's chain to stretch a bit during first few rides. However, just because a bit of additional slack is normal, it’s critical to check to make sure it hasn't become too loose. Your vehicle's owner’s manual will provide the proper range of movement expected before the chain will require tightening or replacement.

Chassis - Also check for wear and any loose nuts or bolts in hard parts like the frame, swing arm and suspension.

Suspension - Check for smooth operation over the suspension's full range of travel.

Air filter - Remove and clean your air filter after each ride, particularly if you’ve been in dusty or sandy conditions.

Lubrication - It's always a good idea to check any and all exposed bearings and pivots (swing arm linkage for example) and to apply a thick slosh of quality waterproof grease on these areas before they show signs of compromised performance. The common mistake is to wait until bearings begin to squeal or drag before paying attention to them and by then it’s almost always too late.